Healthcare Checklist

Routine Wellness Exams:

During your routine yearly wellness exam, you should expect that certaintests and procedures will be performed or ordered by your doctor.   Please review the lists below for exams and tests that you will need, depending on your age and medical history. For additional information or to set up an appointment, call us at 985-223-8994 or 985-446-8994.   

Age 18 – 27: 
Your doctor will perform your annual pap smear and screening for Chlamydia.  He or she will also recommend treating you with the Gardasil vaccine for HPV. 

Age 28 – 34: 
Your doctor will perform your annual pap smear and recommend a laboratory test which screens for cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid conditions and anemia.   

Age 35 – 40: 
Your doctor will perform your annual pap smear and recommend a laboratory test which screens for cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid conditions and anemia. You should also expect that your doctor will order a mammogram, as patients should have at least one mammogram performed between the ages of 35 and 40. 

Age 40 – 49: 
Your doctor will again perform your annual pap smear and recommend a laboratory test which screens for cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid conditions and anemia. You will be scheduled each year for a mammogram. 

Breast Cancer:

Women 40 and older should have a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year; women between ages 20 – 39 need a clinical breast exam about every 3 years. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. 

Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctor about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast ultrasound or MRI) or having more frequent exams. 

Cervical Cancer:

Cervical cancer screening should begin after a woman begins having vaginal intercourse, but no later than 21 years of age. Cervical cancer screening usually occurs annually.   

Women who have had a total hysterectomy for benign conditions and women over the age of 65 may have screening less often. 

Uterine/Endometrial Cancer:

Beginning at 35, women who have hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (or are at high risk for it) should ask about an annual endometrial biopsy.   

Women who are taking tamoxifen for breast cancer may benefit from endometrial biopsy during treatment. 

Ovarian Cancer:

Regular pelvic and rectal exams are important for detecting ovarian cancer as early as possible. 

Colon Cancer:

It is recommended that all women 50 and older follow one of these five testing schedules:

• Yearly stool blood test
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• Yearly stool blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (preferred over either option above)
• Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years 
  

Please feel free to call us with any questions regarding your annual health exams or to set up an appointment for your annual check-up.